Detention Officer

We are seeking to hire several experienced candidates to staff 4 shifts, including both day and night coverage.

Candidates must be able to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.

The City of Alpharetta is currently offering the following hiring Incentives for qualified candidates:

• NON-CERTIFIED - $5,000
• GEORGIA P.O.S.T. CERTIFIED WITH AT LEAST 1 FULL YEAR OF EXPERIENCE - $10,000 for hire dates between 7/1/2025 – 12/31/2025
• GEORGIA P.O.S.T. CERTIFIED WITH 3 OR MORE FULL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE - $15,000 for hire dates between 7/1/2025 – 12/31/2025

NOTE: Staffing and compensation for the Detention Division are contingent upon budget approval by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Alpharetta. Conditional offers of employment will be extended only upon formal adoption of the Detention Division budget.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction of a Detention Supervisor, performs a variety of duties related to providing and maintaining security, safety, care, and control of inmates, detention facility, and facility equipment and to supervise inmates in the Alpharetta City Jail.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Enforces all the rules and regulations of the jail; maintains safety and security of the general public, facility staff, and inmates; takes custody of new arrivals; escorts inmates to various parts of the jail facility.
• Receives/processes incoming inmates: explains jail rules, regulations and procedures; searches prisoners, conducts property inventory, and secures personal property; prepares in-processing documentation; makes photographs and fingerprint records of incoming prisoners; obtains GCIC background reports; conducts book-in interviews; documents personal histories; answers questions from prisoners; determines appropriate classification of each inmate according to charges, medical condition, and/or security risk; segregates prisoners into proper cells; assigns jail housing; and issues clothing, bedding and personal hygiene items.
• Monitors inmate activities inside the facility on a continual basis, such as during meals, cleaning activities, exercise, work/cleanup detail, recreation, visitation, religious services, personal hygiene, and related activities; takes and records periodic headcounts of inmates; conducts medical/sick call to distribute medications; controls movements of inmates; monitors work details; manages inmate workers/trustees; transports prisoners to medical facilities, other law enforcement facilities, or other locations as assigned; and reports unusual observations to superiors.
• Coordinates, monitors, or performs various functions associated with ensuring the health, safety and welfare of inmates, which may include serving of meals, provision of clothing/bedding, provision of medical aid/supplies, coordination of visitation and telephone communications, or distribution of mail.
• Maintains security of facility; performs periodic security checks of facility; monitors video surveillance and radio equipment; checks door locks; controls door operations; conducts emergency fire drills; conducts jail shakedowns; searches inmates, cells, building and ground areas to locate/remove contraband and to maintain security; assists in controlling/restraining violent/unruly prisoners; responds to prisoner, employee, or facility emergencies; operates fire suppression equipment; and provides first-aid and/or CPR if needed.
• Conducts release of prisoners per established procedures; prepares out-processing documentation; runs GCIC reports on inmates; releases prisoners upon bonding out, for termination of cases, or for placement on probation; and oversees the cleaning of inmates' quarters or cleans cells upon prisoner release.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from inmates, the general public, court personnel, medical staff, attorneys, clergy, officers, employees, and supervisors.
• Ensures inmates with special needs receive required attention including those with contagious disease, those with suicidal tendencies or special medical problems.
• Mediates disputes between inmates and/or staff members; counsels and/or disciplines inmates as required.
• Conducts GCIC checks on arrestees; enters/retrieves computer data that may include booking cards, prisoner history file, inmate property inventory list, inmate medical information, investigation data, personal and criminal records check, fugitive information, background and history information.
• Attends shift meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required to maintain knowledge of departmental and city operations, to promote improved job performance, and to maintain knowledge of changing policies, procedures, codes, and laws.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including Compstat profile sheets, J-Rosters, inventory sheets, and medical/sick call sheets; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including incident reports, master count sheets, cell search sheets, and floor activity logs; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains a variety of law enforcement equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with supervisor, other employees, inmates, clergy, attorneys, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill:

• Operations and standard operating procedures of a jail.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing jail operations.
• Knowledge of the constitutional rights of inmates.
• Knowledge of emergency operations procedures.
• Knowledge of CPR and basic first aid.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the use of communications equipment, and other standard and specialized equipment.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in the supervision of inmates.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Methods and techniques of report preparation and writing.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force.
• Principles and applications of public relations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, apply, enforce, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret and explain jail policies and procedures.
• Gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations.
• Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Control violent people.
• Administer first aid.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Meet standards for physical endurance, agility, health, and vision.
• Work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Successful completion of 80-Hour Basic Jail Officer Course in addition to CPR and First Aid required or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are conditions of initial and continued employment.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.

The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.